The Pakistan volleyball team faces a significant setback as they bid farewell to their esteemed Brazilian Coach, Issanaye Ramires Ferraz, whose transformative leadership has catapulted the Greenshirts to prominence within the Asian circuit in less than a year.
Following Pakistan’s remarkable victories over formidable opponents like Korea and India in straight sets at the Asian Games, several leading Asian countries have sought to secure Issanaye’s services for their national teams.
Notably, Korea, still reeling from its defeat against Pakistan, swiftly extended an enticing offer to Issanaye. This offer included a substantial salary increase, comprehensive family benefits, and provisions for his children’s education. Faced with such an attractive proposition, Issanaye made the difficult decision to part ways with Pakistan.
The Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF) tried its best to retain Issanaye, who played a significant role in elevating Pakistan’s volleyball team to the fifth position in Asia. However, they were unable to match the lucrative offer made by Korea, which ultimately led Issanaye to accept it. The Chairman of PVF, Ch Mohammad Yaqoob, expressed deep regret over the loss of such a talented coach and cited the inherent limitations in matching Korea’s offer.
With an array of international commitments looming on the horizon, Issanaye’s departure leaves a noticeable void in Pakistan’s volleyball setup. PVF is now tasked with the arduous challenge of identifying a suitable replacement capable of sustaining the team’s upward trajectory and steering them toward podium finishes in future competitions.
As the volleyball community bids farewell to Issanaye, they reflect on his indelible impact and express gratitude for his invaluable contributions to the sport in Pakistan. Despite the challenges posed by his departure, there remains optimism for the future as PVF endeavors to chart a new course forward for the Greenshirts under fresh leadership.
